Introduction
The Adult Content Filter is a feature in Publica.la that allows store administrators to control the visibility of Products intended exclusively for adult audiences. This filter helps stores comply with content policies and ensures a safe browsing experience for all users. The filter is especially relevant for stores that offer a wide range of Products, including those with mature or explicit themes.
How the Adult Content Filter Works
Shelf Configuration
Store administrators can enable the Adult Content Filter directly from the dashboard. The option appears as a checkbox labeled "Hide Products with 'Adults Only' audience from shelves" located beneath the shelf configuration settings. When enabled, this filter automatically hides all Products classified as "adults-only" from appearing in the main shelves of the storefront.
Why This Matters
Shelves are the primary way users discover and browse featured Products on a store's homepage. By hiding adults-only content from these areas, stores can:
- Maintain a family-friendly browsing experience
- Comply with local regulations or internal policies
- Prevent accidental exposure to explicit content
Storefront Behavior
When the filter is active:
- Products with the audience set to "adults-only" do not appear in any shelf on the storefront homepage.
- These Products remain accessible through other discovery methods, such as a link to the publication page, search, category filters, or when viewing the full list of Products within a shelf.
- If a user opens a shelf to view its details, all Products (including adults-only) are visible in the detailed view, ensuring that content is not completely hidden from users who intentionally seek it.
Example Workflow
- An administrator enables the filter in the dashboard.
- A Product classified as "adults-only" is added to the inventory.
- This Product does not appear in any shelf on the storefront homepage.
- If a user searches for the Product or browses the full shelf, the Product is visible.
ONIX Intake and Automatic Audience Classification
Automatic Classification
publica.la automatically classifies Products as "adults-only" during ONIX intake if their metadata includes any of the following BISAC codes:
| ONIX Code | Description (Example) |
|---|---|
| ART050050 | Erotic Art |
| CGN004020 | Erotic Fiction |
| CGN004110 | Adult Graphic Novels |
| PHO023030 | Erotic Photography |
| POE023020 | Erotic Poetry |
| FIC027010 | Erotic Fiction (General) |
| FIC049030 | LGBTQ+ Erotic Fiction |
| FIC005000 | Erotica (General) |
| FIC005010 | Erotica (Short Stories) |
| FIC005020 | Erotica (Anthologies) |
| FIC005030 | Erotica (Historical) |
| FIC005040 | Erotica (Paranormal) |
| FIC005050 | Erotica (Contemporary) |
| FIC005060 | Erotica (Romantic) |
| FIC005070 | Erotica (Science Fiction) |
| FIC005080 | Erotica (Fantasy) |
| FIC005090 | Erotica (Other) |
If a Product's ONIX metadata contains any of these codes, the system automatically sets its audience to "adults-only." This ensures consistent classification and reduces manual work for administrators.
Workflow Example
- A publisher uploads an ONIX file containing a Product with the code
FIC027010. - Publica.la processes the ONIX file and automatically sets the Product's audience to "adults-only."
- If the Adult Content Filter is enabled, this Product is hidden from all shelves on the storefront homepage.
Considerations
Impact on Discoverability
- The filter only affects shelf visibility. Adults-only Products remain discoverable through search, categories, and detailed shelf views.
- This approach balances user safety with the need for comprehensive catalog access.
Limitations
- The filter does not restrict access to adults-only Products; it only hides them from prominent display areas.
- For stricter access control, consider additional age verification or parental control features.